In some ways, it was acceptable for the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons to open their 2022-23 seasons towards one another.
The Magic drafted the No. 1 decide in June’s NBA draft in Paolo Banchero whereas the Pistons chosen Cade Cunningham with final 12 months’s high decide.
Both began rebuilds within the final 2 1/2 years, have a number of youthful gifted gamers surrounding their high picks and are among the many league’s top-four youngest groups.
“I’m not, based on one game, measuring where we are,” Pistons coach Dwane Casey stated pregame. “We’re at the same level as far as where we’re at the rebuild so to speak. Whatever happens, it doesn’t determine who the Magic are going to be and who the Pistons are and who they’re going to be. It’s a good test for both groups because we’re very similar in where we are in our programs.”
The Magic and Pistons completed fifteenth and 14th, respectively, within the Eastern Conference’s standings final season however are optimistic about their futures.
Surrounding Banchero are younger abilities equivalent to Franz Wagner, who was named to the league’s All-Rookie first crew in 2021-22, Wendell Carter Jr., who’s coming off a breakout season and Jalen Suggs, final 12 months’s No. 5 decide.
The Pistons used two lottery picks to draft Jaden Ivey (No. 5) and Jalen Duren (No. 13) over the summer season.
“They’ve got great young talent,” coach Jamahl Mosley stated pregame. “They’ve done a great job through the draft and developing their guys to become great young players. Similar to us, we’ve got great young talent. These guys are bonding and coming together, which is a wonderful thing to see.”
Starting guard Cole Anthony was dominated out for Wednesday’s season-opener towards the Detroit Pistons due to an sickness lower than half-hour earlier than tipoff.
Anthony was initially within the Magic’s beginning lineup alongside Terrence Ross, Wagner, Banchero and Carter Jr. earlier than being dominated out.
Suggs changed Anthony as a starter.
Caleb Houstan, Bol Bol, Mo Bamba and Chuma Okeke have been a part of the Magic’s nine-man rotation within the first half.
Markelle Fultz (fractured left large toe), Gary Harris (left knee rehabilitation), Jonathan Isaac (left knee rehabilitation) and Moe Wagner (sprained proper midfoot) sat.
“I think we will keep feeling that out,” Mosley stated of the rotation, “to help these guys understand that we want them to get a rhythm for what’s going on in the games.”
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at [email protected] or comply with him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
()
Source: www.bostonherald.com
